Nathaniel Scheer

Humboldt scholar, Oct 2008 - Sep 2009

Nathaniel Scheer is currently visiting the Environmental Policy Research Centre at the Freie Universität Berlin as a German Chancellor Fellow with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. His research focuses on finding sustainable energy policy solutions by encouraging the collaboration and sharing of ideas between the United States and Germany. While conducting research at the Freie Universität Berlin, he will be communicating with a network of energy professionals and lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic. Before joining FFU Nathaniel was a Energy and Environmental Policy Advisor at the Maryland General Assembly. He has advised both government and think tanks on energy and environmental issues. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Shepherd University and has completed graduate work at Hood College. He is accompanied in Germany by his wife. Their first child, a daughter, was born in Berlin October 2008.

Project Summary

While the United States is experiencing a boom in interest in renewable energy and is making increased progress in recent years, Germany has already positioned itself as a world leader. I will examine the role Germany’s political institutions are playing in renewable energy policy with a focus on the German organizations which work to promote and support renewable energy policies. I will draw upon Germany’s achievements in utilizing renewable energy and explore the possibilities for the application of aspects of the German policy model to the complex dilemma that faces the United States today. Initially I will focus on the ongoing efforts in the United States where I am working with state government and local groups to encourage and support the adoption of renewable energy. Furthermore, in collaboration with German institutions, I will work to promote the exchange of ideas through workshops and seminars that strengthen and deepen the transatlantic climate and energy dialogue.